HMAS SYDNEY II NATIONAL MEMORIAL SERVICE

Today Australians paused to remember the HMAS Sydney II and her crew at a national memorial service held at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney.

As guests arrived at the service, the cathedral bell tolled 645 times, to mark the lives lost when the pride of the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet went down with all hands on 19 November, 1941.

On the eve of ANZAC Day, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd asked all Australians to remember the sacrifice of HMAS Sydney II’s crew.

“Today we commemorate HMAS Sydney II in a manner befitting her significance to the Australian nation. 

“The Australian Government hopes that today’s service brings some comfort to you, the families and relatives of those who lost their lives. You should all be tremendously proud of them,” Mr Rudd said.

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, said to have found the Sydney, and to have had this chance to say goodbye, give thanks and remember has been truly moving.

“Every one of the lost men of HMAS Sydney II left behind family, children they never saw grow older, mothers who outlived their sons, and we will never forget their service to Australia,” Mr Snowdon said.

More than 770 relatives of HMAS Sydney II’s crew came from all over Australia to attend the service.

With the church at full capacity, a large screen in Sydney Square allowed members of the public to view the service. The service concluded with a flyover by three Royal Australian Air Force Hawk 127 aircraft.

Following the conclusion of the service, the Prime Minister met with many of the relatives in attendance. A number of the relatives were then taken on a tour of the current HMAS Sydney.

Media contacts:

Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):              02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689

PM Press Office:                                      02 6277 7744

Defence Media Liaison:                            02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664